Electric-arc lamp



(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 1.

R. H. MATI-IER.

ELEGTRIG ARC LAMP. No. 390,245. Patented Oct. 2, 1888.

M! x A 0c' J Hm ( M el.) 5 SheetsSheet 2.

R. H. MATHER.

ELECTRIC ARC LAMP.

No. 390,245. Patented Oct. 2, 1888.

(No Model.) 5 Shegts-Sheet 3.

R. H. MATHER.

I ELEGTRIG ARC} LAMP. No. 390,245. Patented Oct. 2, 1888.

(No Model.) I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

R. H. MATHER.

ELECTRIC ARC LAMP.

Patent-ed Oct. 2, 1888.

L :4 an no... 00 0000 I. O

(No Mddel.) I 5 SheetsSheet 5. R. H. MATH'ER.

ELECTRIC ARC LAMP. No. 390,245. Papmmted 001;. 2, 1888.

FL/lg v integrally therewith.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD H. MATHER, OF WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRIC-ARC LAMP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 390,245, dated October2, 1888.

Application filed February 20,1888. Serial No. 264,698. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I; Brennan H. MATHER, of Windsor, in Hartford county,Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inElectric-Arc Lamps,which improvements are described in the followingspecification and are illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to feed mechanisms of electric arc lamps, and inparticular to that class of said mechanisms in which a carboncarryingrod or tube works through a frictioncluteh or is controlled by otherengaging mechanism.

The object of the invention is to produce a feed mechanism having greatstrength and sensitiveness and an ample range of movement with uniformpower. To accomplish this result I use an electro-magnet whose armatureis a compound-wound solenoid controlling the mechanism which engages thecarbon-carrying rod.

The best method in which I have contemplated applying the principle ofmy invention is shown in said drawings, in which Figure l is a top viewof the feed mechanism of an electric-arc lamp constructed in accordancewith my invention. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is anenlarged vertical section on line m xof Fig. 1. Figs. 4, 5, and 6 arelike sectional views of my invention in modified forms.

In the primary form of my invention,as seen in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, thecontrolling electromagnet, aside from its solenoid-armature,eonsists ofan iron frame, 1, a hollow cylindrical core, 2, and an interposed helix,3, of insulated wire. Frame 1 consists of two cylindrical or annularpole-pieces, 4. and 5, and two connecting arms or pillars,(i,which areformed Core 2, which is made of the best wrought-iron, occupies acentral positiou'in frame 1. Poles 4 and 5 respect ively surround theopposite terminal portions or poles of core 2 concentrically, and are Yseparated therefrom by annular spaces. Core 2 is held in the describedposition by a support, 7, which is secured to frame 1 and core 2 byscrews 8, and has a central perforation for the accommodation of thecarbon-carrying rod 9, which is hereinafter described. Helix 3 is woundupon a hollow spool, 10, which is made of brass or other non-magneticmaterial, and is secured in frame 1 by means of screws 11. Thesolenoid-armature of this electromagnet consists of two helices, 12 and13, wound upon opposite terminal portions of a brass spool, 1L, whichsurrounds core 2 like a sleeve and is longitudinally movable thereon. Toupper end of the spool 14 is secured an annular cap, 15, which isprovided with a central hub or sleeve, 20, for the accommodation of rod9. This rod,which is preferably square in cross section, and alsotubular, carries a holder, 16, for the upper carbon, 17, and is adaptedto move up and down through core 2 in sliding contact with sleeve 20 andsupport .7 as guides. A friction-clutch, 18, embracing rod 9, is mountedupon sleeve 20, and is provided with a dog, 19, which is mounted adjustably upon frame 1.

Core 2, helix 3, rod 9, spool 10, cap 15, sleeve 20, clutch 18, and dog19, which have been described with primary reference to Figs. 1, 2, and3, are present without material change in the modified form of myinvention, which, is shown in Fig. 4. In this modification the frame ofthe magnet consists of a cylindrical iron case, 1. Core 2, having oneend driven into a hole in the solid bottom of case 1, occupies an axialposition throughout thelength of that case. An annular iron cap, 4,which is secured by screws to the top of case 1, surrounds the free endof core 2 concentrically, but is separated therefrom by an annularspace. A solenoid-armature consisting of helices 12 and 13, which arewound differentially upon an insulating-spool, 1ft, occupies thisannular space, and is freely movable up and down in it. This spool 14,unlike the spool 14 of Fig. 3, embraces only one of the poles of core 2,and the opening through the latter is contracted at the lower end toserve as a guide for rod 9.

The modification which is illustrated by means of Fig. 5 differsstructurally from the above-described primary form of myinvention by theomission of helix 3 and by the in creased dimensions of helix 13. Inthis modification the last-mentioned helix, being wound upon thatportion ofspool 14 which is not 00 cupied by helix 12, is suffieient tothoroughly magnetize core 2.

The modification which is illustrated byFig.

6 difiers structurally from said primary form of my invention in severalparticulars. Spool 14 is omitted, and helices 12 and 13 are woundimmediately upon the opposite terminal portions of core 2. (lap 15,having sleeve 20, is fastened upon the top of said core, and support7 isprovided with a central guide, 21, which enters the bottom of said core.The latter is movable vertically, and with it said helices 12 and 13.

The described helices of my invention in its primary and modified formsare connected in the manner which is indicated in the drawings. The signindicates the positive terminal of the generator which supplies currentto the lamp. Helices 3 and 13, being formed of coarse wire, are arrangedin series with the carbons of the lamp, while helix 12 is placed in aderived circuit. The connections to helices 12 and 13 are such as tolead the current through the latter in one and the samedirection,'cxcepting only in the modification which is shown in Fig. 4.. Inthatinstance said helices are differential, as already indicated. Theseconnections are indicated in the drawings by main-circuit wires M M andshunt-circuit wires 8 5.

All remaining particulars of construction of the invention willsufficiently appear from the drawings and from the mode of operation,which is now to be described.

It is convenient to describe first the operation of my invention in itsprimary form, which is illustrated by Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and in themodified form, which is illustrated by Fig. 4. WVhen no current issupplied to the lamp, the solenoid-armature occupies its position ofmaximum depression, and clutch 18, being tripped by dog 19, isdisengaged from rod 9, so that the upper and lower carbons rest incontact with each other. In this position of affairs, if a normalcurrent be supplied to the lamp, that current immediately energizeshelices 3 and 13. By the energy of helix 3 a magnetic field is producedin the described annular spaces which are occupied by helices 12 and 13.The magnetic current may be assumed to circulate through core 2 and theframe or casein which it is contained in directions which are indicatedby arrows. Circulating in this manner, the magnetic current or linesofforce across the described field pass directly through the interposedcoils of helices 12 and 13. The energy of helix 13, acting in said fieldand tending to move upward, raises the described armature, and therebycauses clutch 18 to grip rod 9 and carry it upward. In this manner thecarbons are separated and the voltaic are is produced between them. Theseparation of the carbons causes current to flow through theshunt-circuit s s, includ ing helix 12. The energy of this helix, actingin said field and tending to move downward, neutralizes to a greater orless extent the described upward tendency of helix 13, so that thearmature tends to rise or to fall or to re main stationary, according tothe varying distribution of current through its said helices 12 and 13.Through the differential effect which is so produced in the describedarmature the latter raises, sustains, lowers, and controls clutch 18 insuch a manner as to maintain the carbons constantly at a normal distancefrom each other.

The principle which is involved in the described upward tendency ofhelix 13 and in the described downward tendency of helix 12 is the sameprinciple by which any conductor disposed in a magnetic field andcarrying an electric current tends to cut the lines of force of thatfield by moving across them in a direction which is dependent upon thedirection of that current and upon the polarity of the field. Thoseindividual coils of either of the solenoids l2 and 13 which are at anytime within a magnetic field are for the time being severally andcollettively impelled in accordance with this principle. In the primaryform of my invention the described differential effect is produced byplacing similarlyenergized helices in magnetic fields of oppositepolarity, while in the modified form of my invention, which is shown inFig. 4, the same effect is produced by placing differential helices in asingle field.

In the modification which is illustrated by Fig. 5, helix 13 performsthe two functions which are performed by helices 3 and 13 in the primaryform of my invention, as illustrated by Figs. 1, 2, and 3. In accordancewith the principle which is above stated, this helix imparts an upwardtendency to the armature, and by magnetizing core 2 the same helix,either with or without the assistance of helix 12, creates magneticfields of opposite character in the described annular spaces which areoccupied by helices 12 and 13.

In the modification which is illustrated in Fig. 6. the movable core 2,with its attached helices 12 and 13 and its cap 14, is actuated in thesame manner and with the same results as is the described armature of myinvention in its primary form.

Frame 1, with its poles 4 and 5, is not essential to my invention, forifthat frame be omitted in construction or be made of non-magneticmaterial the principle and mode of operation are the same, though theaction is less energetic. My invention is not confined to the use ofclutch 18 for the purpose of engaging and controlling rod 9, butcontemplates the use of a rack and pinion, clock-work, or any otherregulating mechanism which may engage a feedingrod, and may becontrolled by the armature of an electromagnet.

Such being the construction and operation of an electric-arc lampembodying my invention, I claim and desire to secure by LettersPatent 1. In an electric arc lamp, an electro-magnet provided with asolenoid-armature which is wound with two independent helices namely, amain-circuit helix and a shunt-circuit helixboth havingconstantly-closed circuit-connec- IIO tions, substantially as and forthe purpose specified.

2. In an electric-are lamp, an electro-magnet having a solenoid-armaturewhich consists of two separate helices-namely, a main-circuit helix anda shunt-circuit helix-both wound upon a hollowv insulatingspool andprovided with constantly-closed circuit-connections, substantially asand for the purpose specified.

3. In an electric-arc lamp, an electro-magnet core having two fields, incombination with an armature having two solenoid-helices namely, amain-circuit helix and a.shunt-circuit helixwhieh arerespectivelylocated in said fields and are provided withconstantly-closed circuit-connections, substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

4. In the feed mechanism of an electric-arc lamp, a magnetic core, incombination with a solenoid-armatme having independent helicesnamely, amain circuit helix and a shuntcircuit helix-which surround said core andare provided with constantly-closed circuitconnections, substantially asand for the purpose specified.

5. In the feed mechanism of an electric arc lamp, a stationary magneticcore and an iron frame which surrounds said core but is separatedtherefrom by an annular space, in combination with a solenoid-armaturehaving independent helices, which surround said core and are movable insaid annular space, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

6. A magnctizable cylindrical core, a magnetizing-helix surrounding saidcore, and an iron frame holding said core in a fixed position andsurrounding the terminal portions of the same, in combination with ahollow spool wound with helices which are movable in an annular spacebetween said core and frame, substantially as and for the purposespecified.

7. In an electricarc lamp, an electromagnet and a solenoid-armaturethereof, said armature having two helices--namely, a maineircuit helixand a shunt-circuithelixwhich are respectively located at the oppositepoles of said electro-magnet and are provided with constantly-closedcircuit-connections, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

S. An iron frame and a cylindrical core which have concentric poles ofopposite character, in combination with a solenoid-armature having twohelices-namely, a main'circnit helix and ashunt-circuit helix-which areprovided with constantly-closed circuit-connections and are movable inthe annular field between said poles, substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

9. An iron frame and a cylindrical core which have concentric poles ofopposite character, a magnetizing-helix which surrounds said core, and asolenoid-armature having two helicesnamely, a main-circuit helix and ashunt-circuit helixwhich are provided with constantly-closedcircuit-connections and are movable between said poles, in combinationwith controlling mechanism which is engaged by said armature and acarbon-carrying rod which is controlled by said engaging mechanism,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

10. In an electric-arc lamp, an upper and a lower carbon, a rod carryingsaid upper can bon,and controlling mechanism engaging said rod, incombination with a magnetic core and an iron frame which have concentricpoles of opposite character, a magnetizing-helix which surrounds saidcore, and a solenoid-armature having one helix which is arranged inseries with said magnetizing-helix and said carbons and having anotherhelix which is located in a derived circuit about said carbons, substaxrtially as and for the purpose specified.

11. In an electric-arc lamp, a pair of can bons, a carbon-rod, andcontrolling mechanism engaging said rod, in combination with anelectro-magnet and a solenoid-armature thereof having one helix inseries with said carbons and another helix in a derived circuit aboutthem, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

12. In an electric-arc lamp, a pair of carbons, a carbon-rod, andcont-rolling mechanism for said rod, in combination with a magnetic coreand frame which have concentric poles of opposite character, amagnetizinghelix which surrounds said core, and a solen0id-armaturehaving one helix which is arranged in series with said magnetizing-helixand with said carbons and having another helix which is located in aderived circuit about said carbons, substantially as and for the purposespecified.

13. In an electric-arc lamp, a carbon-carrying rod and controllingmechanism engaging said rod, in combination with a magnet havingconcentric poles of opposite character and having a solenoidarmaturewhich operates said controlling mechanism and is provided with twoheliees-namely, a main-circuit helix and a shunt-circuit helix-bothlocated in the annular spaces between said poles andhavingconstantly-elosed circuitconnections, substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

M. In an electric-arc lamp, an electromagnet having two fields, incombination with a cylindrical armature wound with twosolenoidhelices-namely, a main-circuit helix and a shunt-circuithelix-wl1ich are respectively located in said fields and are providedwith constantly-closed circuit-connections, substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

15. A magnetizable core, in combination with twomovablesolenoid-helicesnamely,a maincircuit helix and a shunt-circuithelix-whicl1 surround said core,and are provided with constantly closedcircuit connections, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I hereunto sign my name in the presence of twowitnesses.

RICHARD H. MA'PHER.

Vitnesses:

JOHN H. KIRKHAM, XVILLARD EDDY.

ICO

